Warning On Future Of N.Z. Rugby

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32384, 25 August 1970, Page 18

Warning On Future Of N.Z. Rugby

(N.Z. Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH. A warning that Rugby in New Zealand faces difficult times, not on the field but from political pressure, was given In Inglewood last night by a former Taranaki coach, Mr J. J. Stewart. Speaking at the Inglewood club’s annual dinner, Mr Stewart said that political pressure was a challenge which clubs in this country had to (ace.

“Unfortunately you and I have got wrapped up in • game which is going to be used more and more politically In the next decade," he said.

“People are using the game to put right wrongs which are definitely wrongs," Mr Stewart said, in reference to protests about the All Blacks going to South Africa. Foreseeing trouble with any future Springbok tour of New Zealand, Mr Stewart said, “I don’t know that 1 would want to be a provincial coach when the Springboks come here and have the cream of Rugby players abused as they go out to play their opponents. “I don’t know whether the game will survive. This is the first time in its history that it has faced such a challenge. There has never been as much political pressure as today.”

The challenge must be met by clubs, he said. “If the game ever does depart from New Zealand, then something very desirable will have left the New Zealand character.”